Outdoor Research Frenzy Jacket - Men's

This has been my go-to, everyday jacket all the way from fall through to the spring. Incredibly versatile as both a layer and a shell. This jacket made it through a Northern Ontario winter with temperatures all the way to -30 with no problems. Throw on a good base layer and a down vest and this jacket is good to the coldest temperatures you would want to be out in (if you are active). Alone, it is perfect for late fall and early spring. The pit zips made it work for high output activities like cross country skiing and snowshoeing. It does run a little short in the torso, but I'm a very tall guy, so I'm used to it.

Pros: visual design, weight, function Cons: Price. No hood, no waterproofing. I would have given this coat a 5 star rating, but original cost is pricey. Having a hood and waterproofing would make this coat phenomenal, though that's why you can sport a hat, beanie and etc and get a hardshell. I've taken this coat out deep in the cold Rocky Mountain ranges and outdoor climbing as well as hitting the pavement. Used during activities, you're bound to get hot and need to vent. This does that very well. Pit zips reach almost hipside and extend near the elbow. multiple pockets are deep and well placed. Given the weight to warmth ratio, this coat insulates well given its weight and thickness. I've been out in wind 45 mph plus and all i need to do is cinch the neck and waist and i'm feeling great. Since it is a fleece don't expect it to stop a barage of rain and insulate while wet. It does adequately against snow, but warmth drops a bit.

backcountry lists this coat as having 4 pockets, but there are actually 2 additional pockets on the inside, big enough to fit maps, journal, and or guidebooks. You'll appear somewhat bulky and unproportioned if you pack your pockets absolutely full. But you can hold tons of stuff. Function over fashion. Being 5'11'' 160 lbs., I got the medium and returned it for a large. Perfect fit there. As a reminder to keep your things nice, don't sit near campfires with this one, unless you don't mind marking this very sweet coat with from floating cinders.

Due to the ridiculous amount of time I spent researching a new fleece I will be posting 2 or more reviews of this jacket. It is a short "micro" fleece. The sleeves are tapered and not at all baggy-but not tight. It has 6 pockets. The hand pockets on the front are not fleece lined. It is not a baggy jacket. Perfect for layering but not really gangsta-if thats what your going for. It would definitly fit under anything. I am 6 ft 190 (ish) and bought an xtra large. I could fit into a large but it is a good bagginess like this. If I was getting it to actually use as gear I would have got a large. The draws for the zippers are not fancy or "ergonomic". If you care about shit like that I hope your rope breaks. The vents are huge and run from your pits to your hip. Only negative- tag is scratchy! How you gonna make a super soft fleece and put in a scratchy tag. 5/5 so far. Keep in mind I havent even worn it outside. More to come.

The sleeves are pretty tapered. Good for layering bad for coolness.

Winter this year in Tasmania has been wet, windy and cold. I have used this comfortable warm jacket forwork. I teach 7 and 8 year children and doing playground duty can be cold,windy and miserable. This jacket looks good is comfortable to wear and importantly keeps the wind chill away. I would never buy a jacket that wasn't a windstopper this jacket does the job well. A great buy!

so i recently purchased this jacket and ama always wearing it. wind does not get through this fleece. I wear it for hiking and climbing mainly. the underarm vents relly just pour out your body heat when they are open. perfect to climb in on a cold day, especially with the vents open